What Is Plantar Callus?
A plantar callus is a thickened area of skin that forms on the bottom of the foot due to friction and pressure. It is usually found on the heels or ball of the foot. It is the body's way of protecting healthy skin from repeated trauma. People with less fat padding on the bottom of their feet or retracted toes are more likely to develop calluses. Factors such as foot structure, walking and running style, and footwear can also contribute to the development of calluses. They can be rough and hard to the touch and can vary in size and level of discomfort from person to person. Some may not be painful, while others may experience pain or discomfort when putting pressure on the affected area.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Callus?
Symptoms of plantar callus include rough, hard, yellow areas of skin on the foot, which can cause varying levels of pain or discomfort when bearing weight. As the calluses grow in size, they can become increasingly painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. Untreated calluses on the heels can lead to the formation of cracks on the heels, which may evolve into painful fissures that may also cause bleeding. When the callus on the sole of the foot breaks down, it leaves the skin exposed and creates an opportunity for infections to occur. In severe cases, this breakdown can lead to foot ulcers, which are more commonly seen in diabetic patients.
What Causes Plantar Callus?
The common causes of plantar callus include the following.
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Repetitive Friction or Pressure: Constant rubbing or pressure on specific areas of the foot can cause the skin to thicken and form a callus. The most common areas are the heel and the ball of the foot.
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Ill-Fitting Shoes: Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can cause friction on foot, leading to the formation of calluses. Shoes that are too tight or loose or that have a heel that is too high or too low can all contribute to the formation of calluses.
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High Arches or Flat Feet: People with high arches or flat feet are more likely to develop calluses because the foot has to work harder to maintain balance, leading to more friction and pressure on certain areas of the foot.
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Prolonged Standing or Walking: People who stand or walk for longer periods of time, such as factory workers, hairdressers, and nurses, are at a higher risk of developing calluses because of the constant pressure and friction on their feet.
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Medical Conditions: Diabetes can increase the risk of developing calluses because it decreases blood circulation to the feet, making it harder for the skin to heal and repair itself.
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Age: As we age, the skin on the feet becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more susceptible to callus formation.
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Obesity: Being overweight cause changes in the way weight is distributed on foot. This increases the pressure on the foot and thereby increases the risk of plantar callus.
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Genetics: Some people may be more prone to callus formation due to their genetics.
How Can Plantar Callus Be Diagnosed?
A plantar callus can be diagnosed with the help of medical history and physical examination of the foot. They may ask about the patient's symptoms and observe their gait. The healthcare professional will visually inspect the skin of the foot, especially over the heel or ball of the foot, for the thickened area. They will look for any thickened areas of skin, which will appear as a raised, hard, and sometimes discolored patch on the foot. They may also press on the affected area to check for pain or discomfort and the size and location of the callus. If the healthcare professional suspects that there may be an underlying condition causing the callus, they may order additional imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). An x-ray may be advised to check for bone spurs or other structural problems in the foot that could contribute to the callus's development. An MRI may also be ordered to look for soft tissue issues, such as a nerve problem or a tear in a ligament.
How Is Plantar Callus Treated?
Plantar calluses can be treated by taking steps to reduce pressure on the affected area, which includes the following.
Treatment options for a plantar callus include:
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Soaking in Warm Water: Soak the callus in warm water for around 10 minutes until the skin softens. The products like apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt, and castor oil can increase the effectiveness of soaking.
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Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating the affected area with a pumice stone or a foot file can help to soften and reduce the callus thickness. Use sideways or circular movements to remove dead skin. Make sure not to remove too much skin, which may cause bleeding and infection.
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Footwear Changes: Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate support can help to reduce the pressure on the callus.
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Stretching Exercises: Exercises that stretch the muscles and tendons in the foot can help to reduce the pressure on the callus and prevent it from worsening.
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Custom-Made Orthotics: Custom orthotics can be made to fit the affected feet and help redistribute pressure evenly. Adding padding or a cushion to the friction area can help reduce the pressure and irritation on the callus and prevent the progression of the callus.
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Medications: Moisturizing lotion or cream with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea. These ingredients will help gradually soften hard calluses and reduce pain and discomfort.
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Trimming the Toenails: Too long toenails can force the toes to push up against the shoe, causing calluses to form over time. Trim the toenails to remove this pressure.
In some cases, the surgeon may need to perform a debridement procedure. It involves cleaning and removing the thickened area over the callus. This procedure is usually done in diabetic patients since they have a higher risk of infection in the affected area.
Conclusion:
Self-care measures can help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of callus formation. It is important to avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the feet. Consult a healthcare professional on time if the patient experiences persistent pain or discomfort in the feet. By identifying the cause of the callus and taking appropriate action, effectively manage this condition and improve overall foot health.
